Brakimq -and clutchimq



PATBNTED FEB. 16, 1904 W. ROBINSON. BRAKING AND GLUTGHING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION FILED MAY 5, 189B. I

3 SHEETS-SHEET 1.

2 a g i PATENTED FEB. 16, 1904.

w. ROBINSON} BRAKING AND GLUTGHING MECHANISM.

APPLICATION IILED MAY 5, 1898.

3 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

.30 MODEL.

. PATENTED FEB. 16, 1904.

W. ROBINSON. BRAKINGAND GLUTGHING MEGHANISM.

APPLIUATION PiLED MAY 5, 1693.

v 3 SHEETS-SHEET 3- nu MODEL.

the arrow 92 the periphery of'the segment f is brought in contact withthe drum-spring d,

ULL

, inner periphery of the drum d, the friction being in proportion to theforce applied to the projection H, t

The base-plate G is provided with the lug or projection I, which 1ssecured to the lower fork side 6 by the strap e', as shown in Fig. 1.This cdnnection holds the base-plate G from turning. The base-plate G isheld firmly in position on the axle is against the fork K by the conea," on one side and the nut 1" on the other.

In the crank-clutch M the clutch-center Z, provided on itsperiphery withthe recesses Z,

is rigidly secured to the crankshaft/1, withsaid recesses 1 opening ortapering forward with reference to the forward revolution of saidcrank-shaft a. The recesses Z taper or are wider at one end than theother, as is evident from inspection. The balls or rollcrswi areinserted betweenthe clutch center piecei and the clutch-ring m, asclearly shown in Fig. l. The side plates n inclose the Ballsm m and keepthe clutch-center Z and the clutchring on" in'proper vertical alinement.

The projection or lugH of the brake mechanism is pivotally connected tothe lug 01. of the clutch-ring m by the connecting-rod L, as shown. Thebrake mechanism is in this case operated by actually reversing thecranks (J C, and in order to reverse these cranks it is necessary whenthe wheel is in motion to disconnect the rear or driving wheel fromengagement with the driving mechanism. This is done by the elutcharrangement shown in Fig. 6, in which the rear sprocket N is provided onits inner peripheral surface with the curving or wedge-shaped recessesp,and Within these recesses are inserted the balls or roll ers p, having abearing between the inner wedge-shaped surfaces of these recesses andthe plain periphery of the ring g, which is rig idly secured to the hubD. It is evident then that when the sprocket N is driven forward in thedirection of the arrow y-that is, when the wheel is being drivenforwardthe roll- .ers 9 wedge in the recesses 2, thus firmly clutchingthe sprocket N to the hub'D; but as soon as the pedal action ceases themovement of the sprocket N is arrested, while the hub D continues torevolve, carrying the rollers 12 to the wide pain of the recesses 32,thus releasing the clutch. In other words, the huh I), with its wheel,coasts, while the rear sprocket, the chain, and the cranks,'with theirpedals, remain stationary.

- The operation of the brake mechanism, therefore, is as follows: Itwill heunderstood that in driving the wheelforward the clutchring on isstationary, while the clutch-center Z, being rigidly secured to thecrankshaft a, revolves therewith, carrying the rollers in around with itin the widest part of the re' cesses Z-that is, the clutch M is out ofengagement. Assuming, now, that the wheel being driven forward and it isdesired to appiy the brake, the first action of the rider is to stoppedaling. This arrests the movement of the chain, the cranks, and thepedals relatively to the revolving wheels. The next movement is toreverse slightly the position of the pedals, carrying them backward.This movement locks the clntch-center and the ciutch-ring m together,and a little further movement carries the coni'iecting-rod L forward,thus drawing forward the projection or lug'iii of the brake mechanism,thereby pressing the peripheries of the eccentricscgments ff against theinner surface of the spring drum (2 with greater or less force,according to the pressure exerted on the pedals. By this means it isevident that the wheel is brought under complete control and caused torevolve slowly or its motion may oe quickly arrested. The projection orlug "r is rigidly secured-to the creme-hanger enforrns part-thereof, andthe rod 1', passing through this lug or projection 0 and through thespring s, is pivotally connected at s to the lug i1 oi. the clutch-ringm". The said sprin s has a bearing against the rigid lug 9 of thecrank-hangor and at its opposite end'against the washer w. on the rodi", as shown inFig. 1. V The said spring s therefore answers asareleas'e-spring for the brake. it also serves the purpose of offeringresistance to a too-easy application of the brake, thus making itnecessary to apply some perceptible force in order to apply the brake.Furthermore, the spring .s, being located at the crank end of theconnecting-rod L, pre vents any undne strain being exerted upon saidconnecting-rod when dismounting. it will be observed, furthermore, thatan adj usting-nut t on the rod r provides for adjusting the tensionor"said spring 8' and also'i'or adjusting and determining thedistancebetween the peripheries of the eccentric segments f and'tlie drum (,5when the brake is released.

It will be noted that in the clutch M the clutch-center Z and theclutch-ring m have a distinct space between them, so that when theclutehingparts are locked together said clutch-center and clutch-ring112/ do not touch each other at any point. As a result ct thisarrangement the disconncctingvoi' the chitching parts is easilyaccomplished and without any undue exertion, whereas if the saidclutchcenter and clutch-ring are so made that when I clutched togethertheir adjacent surfaces are permitted to make contact at any point thenthe parts lock together irrationally in such a ceases wa as to requireconsiderable exertion to separate them. The sprocket N and its innerring g have also a distinct space between them,

. as shown in Fig. 6, in the same manner and for the same purpose asjust described in con nection with the crank-clutch M. r

The drum-spring seat F is provided with the projection t, which comesbetween the separated ends of the spring-drum a5, thus preventing thespring do from revolving rela tively to the drum-seat F. The object ofthe expansion-spring d, used as a drum, is to ease up to a certainextent th pressure of the escentric segments f f against the interiorsurface of said spring, and consequently to prevent the sudden lockingof the brake and sliding of the wheel when the extra pressure ofdismounting is applied upon the pedal. Nevertheless this drum-spring (Zmay in some 'QQ'JCQSBS be dispensed with, and particularly where spaceislirnited I do dispense with it,

: in which case the drun1seat F is itself made in-the form of a drum,the interior of the flange overlapping the segments f f; Thisarrangement will he clearly understood by in-' spection of Fig. 8.

In Fi 2 the drew-spring a? is covered by the sheath a, which is screwedto the drumspring seat F, as shown. The sheath 2!; is provided with theannular flange a, which overlaps the edge of the drum-spring i to someextent, thus'keeping said spring 03' in -position and preventing it fromrubbing against any of the fixed parts of thebrake mechanism while thewheel is revolvin In Fig. .7 the drum-spring d is provided on its innerperiphery with the annular recess e, while the drum-seat F is providedwith a corresponding annular rih c, which fits into said recess '0 ofthe spring d'that is, the spring. (1 is thus held in proper relativeposition with reference to the spring-seat F, by which Ineansthe'sheath, as (shown in Fig. 2) is dispensed with. I prefer the arrangementshown in Fig. 7 to that shown in Fig. 2, since the former is simpler anddispenses with some Weight.

" Fig. 8 and the succeeding figures illustrate the operation of thebrake when it. is applied by reversing the movement of the chain, ortospeak more accurately, the sprocket N is arranged to move backwardslightly upon the rear hub with reference to the forward move ment ofthe wheel, and this backward movement of the sprocket applies the brake,as will be clearly understood from these figures and the description. Inthis case the drum F is stationary and is held rigidlyin position 7 withreference to the frame by the projection or lug I, said lug beingsecuredto the lower fork side 5 by the strapi in the manner already describedin connection with Figs. Land 3.

The remaining parts of the brakes-re Indented on the huh D and revolvetherewith.

double eccentric base G is provided with the The,

central annular flange c and this flange is partly cut away or recessedat one point, as shown 51 The gear-sleeve 6 forms a seat for thesprocket N, which latter is provided on its inner periphery with therecess (i The said gear-sleeve 0 has a projection eXtending above itsperipheral surface.

in assembling the brake parts the gearsleeve 0 is preferably firstscrewed into place on the huh D. The sprocket ll is then slipped overthe projection c of the gear-sleeve and turned around somewhat, as shownin Fig. 11, the said sprocket finding lodgrnent' in the groove a betweenthe flange and the said projection for the gear-sleeve 0' (Shown in-Fig. 1 The eccentric segment f is now slipped into position encirclingthe eccentric g and is followed by the spring 1:2 which firmly claspstheannulariiange o The douhle eccentric base G is then put in positionon the gear-sleeve 0 the recessed portion 2 being slipped over theprojection c of said gear-sleeve and engaging said projection on eitherside-that is, the projection e of said gear-sleeve keeps the doubleeccentric G rigidly in position on said gear-sleeve 0 The said eccentricsegment f is provided with position when screwed into place upon the huhI). It will be "understood that the projection k of the eccentric frests against the lug e of the gear-sleeve c andalso enters the recess03 of the sprocket N, as already de scribed. Hence in forward propulsionpower imparted to said sprocket is communicated to said gear-sleeve andthence to the hub through said projection The spring F has one endabut-ting against the projection e of the gearsleeve 0 as clearly shownin Fig. 11. The other end of said spring shuts against the pro jectionif of the eccentric Segmentf chat is, in applying the hralre by backpedaling the said spring is expanded and resists the backward movementof the projection Fi and has a tendency to carry the same into itsnormal position, as shown in Fig. 11. in other words, it answersthe'purpose of a releasespring for the brake. The said spring 70also'serves two. other purposes-first, as a spacer to determine thedistance between the sprocket N and the brake mechanism, thus insuringsufiicient space between the chain and the brake mechanisrn to preventthe possibility of contact between the two; secondly,v said springanswers the purpose of holding the movable parts oi the brake mechanismin proper position rela tively to each other on the side on whichsaidner periphery of the drum F and forms a bearing against which'theeccentric or braking segments f and f make frictional or brakingcontact. The said segments are connectod together by the projection m ofthe one engaging movably in the recess m of the other, whereby saidsegments are caused to move simultaneously, and to thus simultaneouslymake frictional contact with the inner periphery of the said drum F.

it will be understood that back'pedaling turns the sprocket ll backwardsomewhat from its normal position on the hub D, said sprocket carryingwith it the projection if o'fthe segmentf. This movement turns thesegments f f on their eccentrics g g thus carrying said segments intofrictional contact with the inner periphery of the drum F'that is,applies the brake with a force proportioned to the force applied in backpedalin The forward movement of the pedals instantly releases the brake.

The gear-sleeve 0 may form a part of the hub D in manufacturing thesame; but it is described here as separated therefrom and screwed uponsaid hub, the object being insuch a case to provide a brake which may beapplied. to hubs of wheels already manufactured.

It will be observed that a single one of the eccentric-segments f fshown will make eliective brake. Nevertheless I prefer to use the twotogether, as described, since this arrangement prevents any irregularpressure on the bearings.

It will be observed that aplurality of braking elements or shoes forcedinto braking contact with the rotating hub'as herein described is agreat advantage over the single expansible split brake-ring shown in aformer application, for the reason that the whble peripheralbraking-surface of said shoes is instantly brought into braking contactwith the rotating hub on applying the brake, whereas when the singlesplit ring braking element is used the end pressure brought to bearthereon forces only a part. of said ring against the braking-surface ofthe hub with an irregular pressure, which has an injurious effect onthebearings, and the devicc is for the above reasons defective inefiiciency as a brake. Furthermore, the elastic split ring often loses'its its elasticity, thus requiring renewal.

it is evident that the brake mechanism herein described may be used in'connection with car-trucks and other vehicles as Well as bicyelcs. tobicycles, although it i: herein specifically described only inconnection with the bicy le. Furthermore, it may be used in controllingI do not, therefore, limit its application 1 the relative speed ofconcentric shafts of any description where applicable or in clutchingand locking the same together and yet be in accord with the substanceand spirit of my invention.

I do not herein claim, broadly, a coasting and braking wheel-hubprovided at one end with a driver and at the opposite end with a brake,means for clutching the driver and hub together for driving and-releasing the same for coasting, and means for. actuating said brake byback pedaling, as the same is disclosed in my application filed October8, 1897, Serial No. 654,532, and in my application filed November15,1897, Serial No. 658,638, and I reserve the right to claim thesubject-matter of sue-,lrdisclosure in either of my said appli. cations.v

Having thus described my inventiom what I claim as new, and desire tosecure by Letters Patent, "is

l. A coasting-brake mechanism comprising a rotatable wheel-hub having abraking-surface, a stationary brake member supported at one point bythe'axle and provided with a radial extension connected to the frame ofthe vehicle, a plurality pf non-intatable'movable brake memberssupported by said stationary member, driving means, means actuated bysaid driving means on bacl: pedaling for forcing said movable brakemembers against said braking-surface of the hub, and means forconnecting said hub and said driving means on forward pedaling.

2. In ahub-brake, a coasting wheel-hub provided on its inner peripherywith a brakingsurface, a non-rotatable fixture supported at one point bythe axle and provided with a radial extension connected to the frame ofthe vehicle, a plurality of movable braking elements held innon-rotatable position by said fixture, and means for forcing the outersurfaces of said movable elements against said braking-surface of thehub by back pedaling. 3. In a hub-brake mechanism, the combination witha wheel-hub provided with a brakingsurface, of a stationary fixturesupported by the axle at one point and provided with a radial extensionand a strap for engaging the vehicle-frame at another point, a pluralityof braking elements connected non-rotatahly to said stationary I fixturebut having limited movement relatively thereto, and means for brakingcontact with said braking-surface of the hub by the backward rotationofthe crankshaft.

l. In a coaster-brake mechanism, the combination ot a wheel-hub providedwith a braking-surface at one side of its center, a driver at theopposite side of said center, a brake mechanism embodying astationary-fixture, supported the axle at one point and provided with anextension projecting radially therefrom for connection withvehiclcbringing said braking elements into frictional season 5 frame atanotheipoint, a plurality of braking elements connected non-rotatably tosaid stationary fixture but having limited movement relatively thereto,and means for forcing said braking elementsbodily into braking contactwith said brakinghurface of the hub by hack pedaling. l

5. In combination with a coasting-hub provided with a braking surface, astationary brake element supported by the wheelexle at one point andprovided with a radial extension arranged to engage the frame of thevehicle at another point, a plurality of movable braking.

elements held in non-rotatable position by said stationary brakeelement, but having limited movement relatively thereto, and means formoving said movable braking elements into braking contact with saidbraking-surface of the hub by back pedaling, said hub overlapping saidbraking elements.

6. The combination of a stationary supportlug-shaft, a driving andcoasting wheel-hub rotatably supportee thereon and provided with adriver, and on its interior with a braking-surface, means forautomatically clutching together said driver and hub for driving and releasing the same for coasting, a stationary fixture supported at onepoint by said supportlug-shaft and having a radial extension engagingthe vehicle-frame, a plurality of non-rotatable movable braking elementsheld in po sition by said stationary fixture, said braking elementscooperating with said brahingeurface to apply a brake thereto, and meansfor actuating said'bralre by back pedaling.

7. The combination of a stationary su pportlug-shaft, a revoluble hubprovided with an inner braking-surface, driving means arranged on saidhub and braking means supported on said shaft, means for automaticallyclutching together said driver and hub for driving and unclutching thesame for coasting, and means for producing contact between said brakingmeans and braking-surface of the hub for braking the latter upon backpedaling, said braking means embodying a plurality of non-rotatablebraking elements movable bodily against said braking-surface of the huband held in position by a stationary fixture supported at one point bysaid supportingshaft and having a radial extension engaging thevehicle-frames =8. The combination or" a stationary supportingohaft, acoasting Wheel-hnb revolubly supported'thereon and provided with aninner braking-surface, a braking device embodying a plurality ofindependent radially extensible braking elements applicable thereto, andheld in non-rotatable position by a stationary brake element, and meansfor movingsaid extensible braking elements bodily into cont'actgwithsaid braking-surface of the hub by back pedaling.

9. The combination, with a coasting Wheelhub provided with an innerbraking-surface,

of a brake mechanism comprising a stationary fixture, a plurality ofindependent non-intatable braking elements supported thereby andslightly movable relatively thereto, and means for forcing said movableelements outwardly .in a radial direction against said braking-sun faceof the hub by back pedaling, said stationary fixture being arranged tobe supported by the axle at one point and having a radial extension forengaging the vehicle-frame atxby back pedaling, against said brakingeunface of the hub for braking the latter.

11. The combination with a coaster wheelhub provided with an innerbraking-surface, of a brake mechanism comprising a stationary fixture, apair of independent oppositely-dis posed, radially-extensible, brakingelements connected non-rotatably to said fixture, and means for forcingsaid elements outwardly into braking contact with saidbraking-surfacelof the hub by the backward rotation'of the crank-shaft,said stationary fixture being arranged to engage the axle and having aradial extension for connection with the frame of the vehicle. w

12. A clutching and braking mechanism comprising two axially coinc idingadjacent members, one of said members having an inner clutching orbraking surface and the other provided with oppositely-disposedinterlocked members, movable on eccentric bases, and means for forcingsaid interlocked members outwardly into braking 'or clutching contactwith said inner clutching-surface of said first-' named member.

13. The combinatiomwith a wheel-hub provided with an innerbraking-surface,of a brake mechanism comprising a stationary fixtureprovided with eccentric projections, oppositely-disposed interlockingelements mounted on said. eccentrics, and means for forcing saidinterlocking elements outwardly against sai braking-surface of the hub.

14s- A bicycle brake mechanism consisting, essentially, of a drumsecured to the hub and provided with a braking-surface, a non-rotatablebase-plate concentric with the supporting-shaft of said hub and providedwith two annular eccentric supports surrounding the centralsupporting-shaft and extending in opposite directions therefrom, twosegmental brake-shoes provided with. annular orifices and having theirperipheral surfaces described brake mechanism, and means for from thecenter of said supporting-shaft and arranged to make braking contact atopposite surfaces of said drum, portions of said segmental brake-shoesoverlapping each other,

i 5 and one of said shoes engaging and controlling the movement of theother, one of said'shoes also being provided with means for engaging thedevice controlling the operation of said said brake mechanism.

15. A brake mechanism consisting, essentially, of two elementsconcentric to the same axis, one of said elements being rotatable andthe other fixed relatively thereto, one of said elements having a drumprovided with a flange supportinga split or elastic ring forming aslightly -yielding braking surface and the other with movable brakeshoesor devices arranged to be brought into braking contact with said splitor elastic ring, and means for actuating said brake mechanism.

16. In a bicycle-brake, the combination of the following elements: theplate or base G provided with the eccentrics e e surrounding actuating"I Witnessesz.

the axial center g of said base anddescribed from centers atoppositesides of said axial center, segments f, f mounted revolubly on saideccentrics e, e, the orifices of said segments being described'fromcenters coinciding with said segments, one of'said segments beingprovided with the projection or lug ii engaging an orifice or recess 75'in the other, one of said segments also having a lug or device Harranged to engage the device controlling the operation of said brakemechanism, and means for securing said elements operatively together. Y

WILLIAM ROBINSON.

IDA M. LESLIE, BARBARA BROWN.

